Lionel BNSF ES44AC Oil Train Set

Hello. I have absolutely no issues with my buffer car and the engine. I have run the set as delivered and also adding a dummy BNSF ES44AC coupled to the buffer car. Currently I added the 3 pack of matching tank cars which in theory should put more pull on the first buffer car couplers. 

My curves are a minimum 0-88.

Donald

The engine coupler may not pivot as it should. Try looking closely to see if you can feel any binding. 

I've experienced the same with ES44's and 060 track. One reason I no longer have any ES44's...

What does the manual say for the ES44AC's because some kinematic engines can even do O36. (See below from a new SD-40-2)

Your locomotive requires Lionel or Lionel-compatible O-54 or larger track curves when coupled to some freight cars. Your locomotive will negotiate an O-36 curve independently and with most scale freight cars.

I have the same problem with my ES44’s. I’ve addressed it by using a heavier car behind the engine. I think the easiest fix for you would be to add some weight to your buffer car from the set so you can run the set without introducing a new car. 

Tanner111 posted:

I have the same problem with my ES44’s. I’ve addressed it by using a heavier car behind the engine. I think the easiest fix for you would be to add some weight to your buffer car from the set so you can run the set without introducing a new car. 

Agree. The spring on the pilot is probably just stronger than the weight of the car so its pulling it. Pop open the hopper and add weight. A friend of mine filled the wells with epoxy and poured in some shot so center of gravity of the car was as low as possible. Add about half a pound or so. 

Thank you for the responses everyone. I'll see if I can "wear in" the spring on the ES44 some and see if that solves it.

You certainly could add some weight on a temp basis to see if it cures the problem.

Why would the spring need to be that strong?      Very cool train.

Here is a picture of the centering rod for the kinematic steps and coupler unit on the ES44AC.  The metal rod flexes left and right.

I took this picture when I had to bend the arm for the front steps and coupler unit because the snow plow and coupler dropped down and caught on slight gaps in the track rails when going over bridges,. I used a needle nose plier to bend the arm back upward.  It runs fine now and couplers are at the same height as other engines and cars.

Sincerely, John Rowlen

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I always get help with opening the boxes containing new arrivals

Ran my new BNSF oil train today, all 7 tank cars, both buffer cars, nonpower dummy, all great. Perfect set, no complaints.  Runs great on O-72 Fastrack.  Nice job Lionel.  How about a couple individual add on tank cars.

Very cool train. Does it have an EOT device?

BobbyD posted:

Very cool train. Does it have an EOT device?

Yes, the one buffer car has the EOT device.  Very nicely done.